Chery iCar V23 Retro EV SUV: Off-Road Looks, Real Range!

The Chery iCar V23 Retro Edition brings something rare to the electric vehicle market—a bold blend of rugged off-road styling and nostalgic charm with a futuristic twist. From the moment you see its boxy silhouette, it is clear this compact sport utility vehicle is designed to stand out. The body has been enhanced with a clamshell hood, round headlights, matte green wrap, and a unique “Retro Emotion Package” that adds a front grille, anti-scratch side strips, hood-mounted fog lights, and a military-grade finish that resists glare. These are not just aesthetic touches—they serve a purpose on dirt trails and in urban chaos alike.

Buyers have two drivetrain options. The rear-wheel drive model offers a single electric motor rated at 100 kilowatts, while the all-wheel drive version adds a second motor to boost combined output to 155 kilowatts. That translates to around 134 and 211 horsepower, respectively. The rear-wheel model sprints from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in approximately 4.8 seconds, while the dual-motor version cuts that to around 3.5 seconds. This is solid performance from a vehicle that blends the boxy look of a vintage off-roader with the quiet urgency of a modern electric vehicle.

There are also multiple battery options. Depending on the configuration, you can choose from 47 kilowatt-hours, 60 kilowatt-hours, or 82 kilowatt-hours. Range estimates under China’s Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle range from 301 to 501 kilometers. The larger battery, combined with all-wheel drive, makes the V23 a surprisingly capable companion for longer drives or occasional off-road adventures.

Underneath the rugged exterior is a thoughtfully engineered chassis. The vehicle measures 4,220 millimeters in length, 1,915 millimeters in width, and 1,845 millimeters in height. Its wheelbase stretches just over 2,730 millimeters, giving it a sturdy stance and roomier interior than most vehicles in its segment. With a ground clearance of 212 millimeters, approach angles around 43 degrees, and departure angles near 41 degrees, the V23 is more than capable of handling rougher terrain without breaking a sweat.

Step inside and you are greeted by a cabin that balances tech-forward features with analog personality. The dashboard features toggle switches and rotary knobs, steering design inspired by the Land Rover Defender, and split air vents that give it a rugged but practical feel. Depending on trim level, the center screen can range from 12.3 inches to 15.4 inches, with high-resolution graphics and built-in artificial intelligence voice assistance. The vegan leather seats and soft-touch panels elevate the cabin’s premium appeal.

Advanced driver assistance features are present as well, including the brand’s i-Pilot or Falcon 500 systems. These offer Level 2 or Level 2 plus semi-autonomous capability, complete with adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, automatic emergency braking, and auto-parking functionality. The package adds reassurance for daily use while reinforcing Chery’s ambition to match or surpass global safety standards.

On the practical side, the vehicle’s cargo space expands up to 774 liters with the rear seats folded. Modular accessories such as roof baskets, portable fridges, and camping gear are expected to be part of Chery’s official add-on catalog. It is a clear nod to younger buyers who see electric vehicles not just as transportation but as a lifestyle tool.

Pricing for the standard model in China starts around 109,800 yuan, which is approximately 15,000 United States dollars, and goes up to 149,800 yuan. The Retro Package adds an additional 4,000 to 10,500 yuan. This places it in an incredibly competitive spot for a well-equipped, design-forward electric SUV.

As Chery expands globally, the iCar V23 will be rebranded as the iCaur V23 in overseas markets to avoid legal conflicts with Apple. Launches are expected in the United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia starting in 2025. The company aims to open up to 2,000 showrooms worldwide in the next three years, signaling a serious push to become a household name in electric mobility.